Convoy C8+

Convoy C8+ flashlight review:

Table of contents

Introduction:

The Convoy C8+ arrived neatly packed in a foam-wrapped package so that it does not get damaged during transport. The packaging does not look very stylish, the C8+ comes in a very simple white cardboard box with a sticker on which a product code and its type is mentioned. The flashlight itself is packaged in a bubble plastic wrap However, do not be fooled by the simple packaging!

What you'll get:

Package

Convoy C8+

Lanyard

Build Quality and Anodizing

Once unpacked, you see that you have a nice quality product, the build quality is excellent, everything fits together perfectly, and it feels solid. The anodising is a matt black Type Military HA III. Tthis type of anodization gives a lot of grip and is not smooth as you sometimes have with other anodized aluminum parts.

Knurling and Threads

The batterytube has a diamond-shaped knurling pattern which gives a lot of grip and also looks very good. The switch has a black rubber cover and feels solid. The C8+ comes including a removable carrying strap. It is also able to tailstand, so you can use it as a candle :--)

The threading of the battery tube is rectangular tapped. Its easy to open and close it. The back of the tube is nicely anodized, so you can unscrew the end cap with switch (tailcap lockout) to prevent accidental switching on of the lamp. See the photos.

LED, Lens Bezel and Reflector

The CREE XPL HI Led sits on a copper DTP board (This abbreviation stands for Direct Thermal Path). This means that there is a direct thermal connection between the PCB (led star) on which the LED is mounted to the housing of the flashlight. As a result, the heat generated by the LED can be directly absorbed to the housing of the flashlight. This cooling benefits the light output because an LED becomes less efficient at higher temperatures. Cheaper flashlights with less ideal thermal properties it often occurs that the amount of light (output) of the LED rapidly decreases because the LED can not properly dissipate its heat. In the case of the C8+, the heat distribution is quite good. This is not the only reason why it's one of the best cheap flashlights.

The MCPCB is neatly mounted inside the flashlight with 2 screws so the DTP is well connected to the housing. And the LED can dissipate heat through the housing better.

The XOL HI LED is fitted with a matching LED gasket to which the size of the reflector fits exactly. This prevents the LED's power wires from coming into contact with the reflector and make a short. The smooth reflector is neatly placed in the head of the flashlight.

The Convoy C8+ has an AR (Anti Reflective) coated glass lens, which is not standard with most lamps. Often a standard glass lens is supplied. The reflector looks good quality and because of its size, width and depth it mainly 'throws'. The Convoy C8+ is therefore a good and affordable thrower flashlight.

Dimensions and weight:

Length: 142 mm

Diameter head: 44.5 mm

Diameter body: 25.2 mm

Weight empty: 148 grams

Below are some size comparison pictures. The reflector is smaller than both the Lumintop BLF GT MINI and Astrolux FT02, both respectable throwers in the flashlight community.

User Interface:

The firmware of the Convoy C8+ is the 'Biscotti firmware. The great advantage of this firmware is that you can customize the modes yourself!

Most flashlights have set modes. By default these lights are shipped with a number of brightness levels followed by some Strobe modes. All kinds of strobe variants, SOS, Police strobe and the like.... I personally do not favor them.

To select a different mode group ( for example mode group 8), switch the light on, press the switch at least 10 times. Take note: do not push it all the way in (half press the switch so it doesnt make a CLICK. If you have done this right now follows a very fast flashling for about 2 seconds.

For example, to select mode group 8 you have to wait until the light flashes 8 times and press the switch half again during the 8x times. This way, Mode Group 8 is selected and you have brightness levels
0.1, 1, 10, 50%

The memory function can be turned on and off in the same way. As I said, I am very enthusiastic about this firmware, because you can freely choose the output levels you want.

Momentary On:

Not by default! But you can set it.

Mode memory:

Yes. The last used mode will be memorized.

Lock out:

No, only mechanical.

PWM:

Not that I could detect

Performance:

The convoy C8+ has a current regulated driver with 8x AMC7135 chips. Each chip is good for about 380mA so in total this lamp would use 3 A max. On a full 18650 Samsung 30Q I measured 2.96 Amps with my DMM, but after about 30 seconds the current draw had decreased to 2.79 A.

The trees in the following beamshots are about 350 meters away (according to Google Maps). Furthermore, the difference between the C8 + and my old C8 can be seen by the beam color. The intensity of my old Convoy C8 is a bit higher, because I changed the original driver of my old C8 with a high power FET driver. All in all, the intensity of the standard driver is really good as can be seen in the photos.\

Throw:

The Convoy C8+'s throw was measured at 5 and 10 meters. The following numbers apply for the lux readings at 10meters. Measured with a UNI – T UT383BT Digital Illumincance Meter

Pros:

Cons

Convoy has taken a big step forward with the C8+ with great specifications for an excellent price. The specs of this flashlight are even better than many comparable torches from some renowned brands!

This flashlight is more than worth its price and is highly recommended for anyone looking for a budget "thrower". The benchmark that Convoy has set with this lamp is phenomenal, especially considering the price-quality ratio.

The C8+ is suitable for all kinds of tasks. This lamp should not be missing in your flashlight collection !!